TSOL is a punk/deathrock band from California. TSOL is short for True Sounds of Liberty, but they are only rarely referred to by their full name. The band started in 1979, hailing from Hawthorne, California. Their music was featured in the 1984 movie Suburbia, the 1985 version of Return of the Living Dead and Dangerously Close in 1986. Their influence is still felt today, most notably in the works of The Offspring, Alkaline Trio and AFI. They originated as a hardcore punk band, and donned an all black attire and make up in order to stand out from the crowded California punk scene.
TSOL has always been a band to change both their sound and their members. Their first releases are very similar to the highly political punk of the late 70s, but in 1981 with the release of "Dance With Me", they moved toward what would today be considered near gothic in themes. From songs about necrophelia to being a secret agent with a guilty conscience, the release is arguably the best the band has put out. Afterwards, they moved more toward the New Wave movement, and then to glam rock. Due to drug use and other things, TSOL saw a continuous influx of band mates, even at one time featuring not one original band member. The band reunited following the death of drummer Todd Barnes, and has released the CDs "Disappear," "Divided We Stand," and "Who's Screwing Who?" since then. Though punk legends, they have drifted into near obscurity, living currently as an independent band under the Nitro banner, which ironically was started by Offspring vocalist Dexter Holland, whom TSOL influenced so greatly.
Line-up
*Jack Grisham: Vocals *Ron Emory: Guitar *Mike Roche: Bass Guitar *Todd Barnes: Drums (Died on December 6, 1999)
